Psycho: A Novel

The story was all too real-indeed this classic was inspired by the real-life story of Ed Gein, a psychotic murderer who led a dual life. Alfred Hitchcock too was captivated, and turned the book into one of the most-loved classic films of all time the year after it was released.

Overview

Robert Bloch's Psycho captivated a nation when it appeared in 1959.

The story was all too real-indeed this classic was inspired by the real-life story of Ed Gein, a psychotic murderer who led a dual life. Alfred Hitchcock too was captivated, and turned the book into one of the most-loved classic films of all time the year after it was released.

Norman Bates loves his Mother. She has been dead for the past twenty years, or so people think. Norman knows better though. He has lived with Mother ever since leaving the hospital in the old house up on the hill above the Bates motel. One night Norman spies on a beautiful woman that checks into the hotel as she undresses. Norman can't help but spy on her. Mother is there though. She is there to protect Norman from his filthy thoughts. She is there to protect him with her butcher knife.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

Bring up 'Psycho' in a conversation and more often than not people rave about 'the shower scene' and how courageous Hitchcock was to kill his heroine in the first half-hour. Guess what folks? If it wasn't for Robert Bloch, Hitchcock wouldn't have had a chance to be so 'bold' and 'cutting edge'! Bloch's source material is just as important as Hitchcock's movie and Joseph Stefano's script (Stefano, by the way, considered Bloch's book to be just another throwaway, hardboiled, pulp story. Talk about gratitude!), and I think it is better than the movie. The book keeps you on your toes throughout. Granted, if you are familiar with the movie, it is hard to be surprised at the ending. But if you are new to Psycho...wow, are you in for a treat. Bloch is one of the masters at suspense, and he allows you to get into the character's heads. You come to know them and understand why they act the way they do. Do yourself a favor and pick this book up. At the very least it will help you forget Gus Van Sant and that abomination of a 'remake'!

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

In terms of suspense, this is a book of Stephen King proportions. After reading this, I can honestly say I'll never look at a roadside motel the same way again. Norman Bates has found his rightful place among equally famous men, such as Freddy Krueger and Jason Voorhees.

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

I wished I read the book before seeing the ending because it would have been more suspenseful reading it. The mother is way more involved in the book so you get more of a look at her than you do in the movie.

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

Novel was almost word-for-word the movie, but this is the rare case of film being better than the book (talking about the original movie, of course). My only complaint was that the book is too short (127 nook pages) to charge $12.99 for it.

Guest

More than 1 year ago

Psycho, is the only book I've ever read where I knew the ending, and still expected more! Although it was written nearly 50 years ago, it is still fresh and alive!! It certainly evokes emotion. Never a dull moment. Robert Bloch is the guy who introduced the idea that monsters didn't have to be supernatural they could be right next door. He did that with this book, and brought in a whole new concept for horror fiction writers. If you love realistic horror read this book. I wanted to read the second part so bad, I bought it at a used bookstore today. I don't know how this part will end, as I have not yet seen the movie.

Guest

More than 1 year ago

I read Psycho after watching the movie; though i knew what was going to happen I found it very frightening and and full of suspense. Norman Bates is definately one of the best horror villians ever created. And the way Robert Block is able to write throughout the story--oh, it just gives me goosebumps. And the shocking ending is really one of the most remembered moments in all of horror/literature. Block, King, and Stine are equal to me. If you like Stephen King, you'll love this book. I guaratee it!

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

Johnny7373

More than 1 year ago

It was a very well-written book. Even though I knew some things, it kept me interested, because I didn't know exactly how everything was going to plan out. Either way, it's an easy to read book. I'm kind of a beginner at the hobby of reading books and I enjoyed it. Hope you do too! If you want to read, you MUST read the book that inspired one of the most talked about horror movies. :)